Tokyo Sonata

Kiyoshi Kurosawa — the hugely acclaimed Japanese director famous for his groundbreaking, existential horror films such as Cure and Kairo [Pulse] — set Cannes alight in 2008 with this highly topical film: an eerie, poignant reflection on the mass uncertainty sweeping the world.

When Ryuhei Sasaki (played by Teruyuki Kagawa) is unceremoniously dumped from his ‘safe’ company job, his family’s happy, humdrum life is put at risk. Unwilling to accept the shame of unemployment, the loyal salaryman decides not to tell anyone, instead leaving home each morning in suit and tie with briefcase, spending his days searching for work and lining up for soup with the homeless.

Outstanding performances; serene, elegant direction; and Kurosawa’s trademark chills are evident as he ratchets up the unsettling atmosphere and the grim hopelessness of Sasaki’s unemployment. Widely regarded as Kurosawa’s finest achievement, The Masters of Cinema Series is proud to present the winner of the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize at Cannes 2008.